Chautauqua Institution to offer special studies courses

June 25, 2012

CHAUTAUQUA - Chautauqua Institution invites all Chautauqua County residents to participate in its 2012 program by enrolling in one or more of the many Special Studies education classes being offered this summer. The institution has waived its commuter gate pass fee this year; off-grounds residents enrolled in Special Studies classes are only required to pay the course fee and parking, if applicable. Parking for classes at Turner Community Center is free.

Special Studies offerings this year include master classes taught by participants in the Amphitheater lecture series. Billy Collins, former poet laureate of the United States, believes that poetry should be a part of daily life. During his two-hour master class June 27, he will share his delight in poetry as well as insight into the creative process. Those in the class will be encouraged to expand their powers of observation and imagination as Collins talks about how his poetry welcomes readers with humor, but often slips into quirky, tender or profound observation on the everyday.

Don Belt, contributing writer and former senior foreign correspondent for National Geographic magazine, and a keynote lecturer during the week on "Water Matters," will teach two master classes. On July 20, he will share anecdotes about covering water issues for the magazine. On July 24, Belt will take the class on an 8,000-mile journey through Pakistan as he talks about his 25-year career, describing how others too can render the elusive, human truths that governments often work to conceal.

Sandra Postel of National Geographic and the Global Water Policy Project, also a "Water Matters" keynote lecturer, will teach the surprising ways water flows through our lives on July 16.

Another highlight of the season's Special Studies program is the addition of more Saturday classes. The military and social history of World War II will be explored in the July 7 through Aug. 10 Saturday class series "Remembering World War II: The World in Crisis." On Aug. 11 the class "More Delectable Starters," which will teach new appetizer recipes, will be offered. This class is perfect for anyone who enjoys entertaining friends and family.

Special Studies classes offer subjects ranging from child and youth development, music, education, religion and philosophy to fitness, health, and personal and professional development. More than 300 teachers, experienced in subjects they love, arrive each summer to create a diverse assortment of courses for youth and adults offering a cross-generational learning experience.

Chautauqua Institution, located on Chautauqua Lake, comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship, educational programs, and recreational activities. Over the course of the season, more than 100,000 people of all ages visit Chautauqua and participate in programs, classes and community events all offered within the historic lakeside village.